Lab Info / detectability write-up

Lab Info Menu

Detectability/Methods Lab Write-up (5 points)

Send a copy of your summarized data from the visual points to your TA by the end of the day on Friday. Be sure to include the names of both partners with your data. The compiled results from all pairs of observers will be posted on the website. Write up a 1-2 page synopsis of your findings to turn in the following week. Use the Excel spreadsheet provided to calculate an average population and detectability estimate for each “species” at each point. Review the material we went over in lab last week and consider the factors affecting detection probability and how they can alter the interpretation of sampling data. Review the lab handouts and other related materials for more information.

Each write up should include:

A summary of your results and a summary of the class results.

A comparison of your results to the true results, as well as to other members of your class. You could also compare this year's data to 2009's 2010's, 2012's, or 2014's data (found in the Excel spreadsheet).

A discussion of the factors that affected your ability to detect "birds" on visual point counts.

Your thoughts about other factors that may affect detection probabilities on real point counts.

Here is the spreadsheet with data for this class, as well as 2014, 2012, 2010 and 2009 for comparison.

AEC 501 Ornithology

Our goal for this course is to build a foundation of knowledge that will stimulate you to keep learning about birds for the rest of your life. Our approach will focus primarily on the behavior and ecology of birds and the development of field skills.Find out more >>